|
THE MIDWEST CONNECTION
October 2024
| |
|
Moving The Finishing Line
Five of us explored some current realities for Oak Grove Church in our Clarity training. Exploring our next bold steps of faith was invigorating, and I will give you a quick glimpse of our thoughts in this blog. The central theme of our training is that churches need to move the finishing line.
One of the greatest blunders in football is watching a player about to cross the goal line after a great catch and run but unconsciously drops the football about a yard short of the goal line as he begins celebrating the touchdown prematurely before he gets into the end zone. They think they have already scored and begin celebrating too soon. I have seen some players on the other team know the mistake, pick up the ball, and run it back to score on the team with possession. It is a massive mental lapse to celebrate too soon. Read More
Pastor Brad Little, Regional Executive Director
Venture Church Network Midwest
| |
|
Multiplying Effectiveness Through Developing Your Leaders
Leadership in youth ministry is about far more than one person. When we multiply leaders, we extend the reach and impact of the ministry, making it more sustainable and resilient over time. Strong leadership ensures that the ministry can continue to grow, even in our absence.
Adult leaders play a critical role in discipling youth. If the ministry depends solely on the youth pastor, it will struggle to survive in the long term. No one person can meet the spiritual and practical needs of every student. Read More
| |
Chuck Babbitt, Youth Pastor
Bloomer Baptist Church, Bloomer, WI
VCN Midwest Youth Ministries Director
| |  |
 | |
The Pastor and Money: Pastor, Stop Trying to Predict the Future
Our human heart and mind are prone to worry. We don’t have to fight off peace, but we do have to fight off worry. Our minds are simply so curious that when we don’t have an answer for the future, we imagine all of the possibilities and before we realize it we’ve spun the worst case scenario in to “Threat Level Alpha” and we’re not sleeping at night.
One habit of pastors is to mix this worry with fear, pour in the topics of money management and soon they are trying to predict the future. I know you would deny this but follow with me.
Some pastors misuse all they know about Jesus’ return, fill in the blanks about what they don’t know, and even though Jesus Himself refused to name a time or date for His return, pastors are saying, “in my generation, He’s returning in my generation”. The net effect is apocalyptic levels of worry and fear. Then we mix in the sayings from financial advisors, theologians, and our favorite conspiracy theorists to arrive at our own form of predicting the future. Read More
Pastor Rob Buhl
First Baptist Church, Whitehall, WI
| | |
|
By now you have heard about the devastating aftermath of Helene that has affected the South East. Heavy rains from the storm caused massive flooding that washed out roads, destroyed homes and businesses, and knocked out power and phone/internet service in much of the region. The death count is at 150 and still rising.
While Venture Church Network does not have a Southeast region as of yet, we still want to be generous in working together with our brothers and sisters in these communities to bring practical and spiritual hope.
That’s why VCN is supporting and partnering with Baptists on Mission. They have set up feeding units and recovery sites in these devastated communities. This is an opportunity for the “Church” to work together to bring the gospel to light and life
.
You can go to our ACTS fund, where all donations will be routed to support “Baptists on Mission”. We'll be sending $10,000 from our ACTS relief funds to help get this going.
Venture Church Network
|  | |
Tuesday, October 29, 9:00am (CT)
WATCH FOR YOUR ZOOM INVITE COMING SOON!
The Purpose of ENGAGE is to address gospel and missional critical issues and challenge our thinking related to pastoral ministry, leadership and the purpose of our churches.
The Goal of ENGAGE is to continue to become gospel-centered, grace driven, biblically anchored churches passionately committed to fulfill the mission of Christ.
| |
Pastors and Leadership Retreat | |
 |
November 11-13, 2024
Conference Point Center, Williams Bay, WI
Theme: Reaching the Ethnos
Speaker: Josue Villatoro
Leader Pastor at Calvary Church in Muscatine, IA
Who is invited to attend? Senior Pastors, Lead Pastors, Associate Pastors, Youth Pastors, Worship Pastors, Interim Pastors, Elders AND new this year, Spouses are invited. There won't be any scheduled events for the spouses, but they are welcome to sit in on the meetings, or do something on their own.
Cost per person: $155 includes 2 nights lodging and 5 meals (The first meal provided is Monday dinner and the last is Wednesday breakfast.) There are a few single occupancy rooms available which include linens and a private bathroom for $191.
Bedding: You are welcome to bring your own, but linens/bedding can be provided for an additional $7.50.
Recreational Activities: There are a variety things to do; most are free, but some may require an additional fee.
Arrival at Lake Geneva: Monday, November 11th, any time after 4:00pm, check-in will begin at 4:00. Check out is at 11:00am Wednesday, November 13th.
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 25th
| |
Camp Lebanon in Burtrum, MN has opened up two full time positions, and one part time position. To read more about each position, please click here.
| |
|
First Baptist Church
Jackson, MN
First Baptist Church, Jackson, MN is looking for a Family and Youth Pastor. To read more about the position, please click here
| |
|
First Baptist Church, Pekin, IL is looking for a Next Gen/Family Pastor/Director. To read more about the position, please click here
| |
|
Venture Church Network is happy to announce a new partnership with Moody Bible Institute, which has been known for equipping people for effective ministry for more than 135 years. Through this educational partnership, congregational leaders and church members of VCN can enroll in all continuing education, undergraduate school, and seminary programs at a reduced cost. We believe this partnership will be another way in which we, as a network of churches, can assist in encouraging and opening doors for the next generation of church leaders.
Moody will offer awards of 30% for Venture Church Network staff and members. All cohorts/groups of students will receive an award of 30%.
| |
Venture Church Network has had a special and long-term relationship with Western Seminary for over 75 years. The heart of our partnership has continued to further a common purpose of providing theological education and advanced training for training pastors, counselors and related ministry leaders (whether vocational, bi-vocational, or avocational). Western’s vision is to be an educational community that promotes gospel-centered transformation in every aspect of a student’s life and work. Western Seminary serves as a catalyst and resource for spiritual transformation by working with and for the church to equip men and women for strategic ministry roles.
Along with its in-person offerings through its Portland, OR campus, Western also offers global distance learning, and in alignment with their mission “with and for the church,” they have partnered with churches around the nation to offer local cohorts. Cohorts allow a small group of students, often fellow ministry leaders, to journey through their program together from start to finish.
Students who are not only on staff, but active members of a VCN church are eligible for a generous grant of 25% reduction in tuition. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details. If you are considering a master’s or doctoral program, we strongly encourage you to consider Western Seminary.
| |
Venture Church Network is excited to announce a new partnership between VCN and Denver Seminary. Founded in 1950 by the Conservative Baptist Association (Now VCN), the school was initially called the Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary before changing its name to Denver Conservative Baptist Seminary in 1982. In 1988, it changed its name to Denver Seminary, reflecting its appeal to students from a wide variety of denominations and its embrace of a nondenominational identity. The school is based in Littleton, Colo. Denver Seminary identifies as an “evangelical” school and as multi denominational, enrolling 900 students from more than 50 denominations. A grant of 25% reduction in tuition costs are available for VCN members. This includes master's and doctoral-level courses.
| |
Corban University is a liberal arts university whose mission is to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ!
Venture Church Network has partnered with Corban University to offer employees of a VCN church a 20% graduate tuition discount.
| |
Cedarville University, an exceptional Christian university is located in southwest Ohio. As one of the top Christian colleges in the Midwest, Cedarville University attracts 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students to more than 175 areas of study.
Venture Church Network has partnered with Cedarville University to offer employees and members of a VCN church a 15% graduate tuition discount.
|
|
VCN is excited to offer a specialized retirement plan option through GuideStone to pastors and staff of churches in the Venture Church Network family. Read More
| |
|
Ministry focused conversations, financial experience
At Christian Investors Financial we love hearing stories from churches and individuals, and sharing a few of our own. Communication is at the heart of all we do in financial services. Christian Investors Financial is providing faith-based financial solutions that serve Kingdom expansion. Learn more about CIF by visiting our website.
| |
|
Logos is a powerful Bible study platform that allows you to study Scripture and consult commentaries, devotionals, Bible dictionaries, and more—all from your computer, tablet, or phone.
| |
Can Getting Political Affect Our Church’s Tax Status?
Some pastors and church leaders want to see their church take a stand on a certain issue or candidate during an election year but aren’t sure how it might affect their church’s tax status. ChurchLaw&Tax
| |
|
Church Health Consultant, Brian A. Thorstad
Need a Church Health Consultant? Brian’s consulting, coaching, training, writing, preaching and teaching are all about HELPING CHURCHES THRIVE.
My ministry today is all about helping churches thrive. I love the Lord of the Church and I love His churches. You can find out why by visiting the Brian’s Story page. I believe that because of the powerful presence of Christ with His churches that every church can be a great church. I would be honored to be able to help your congregation. With today’s technology, I’m available to help any English-speaking pastor and any congregation.
| |
|
A Study Trip is planned to Greece/Turkey
March 3-14, 2025
Cost: $4792.00
If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact Pastor Andrew Powell at apowell@gracemahomet.org for more information.
| |
Venture Church Network Midwest
PASTORAL COHORTS
| |
|
|
Central Illinois
Wed., October 16, 10:00am (CT)
Location: Panera Bread, East Peoria
Andrew Powell, Grace Church, Mahomet, IL
217-586-4331
apowell@gracemahomet.org
Iowa
No Meeting This Month
Location: Creekside Bible Church
James Perry, Creekside Bible Church, Marion, IA
319-830-1085
jperrycreekside@gmail.com
Michigan
Thurs., October 17, 2:00pm (ET)
Meeting by Zoom
Allen Grover, Ganson Street Baptist Church, Jackson, MI
517-740-8961 pastorallen@gansonstreet.org
Central Minnesota
Mon., October 21,10:00am (CT)
Leader: Brad Little
Location - River of Life Church, Hastings, MN
Contact: Dan Vesta
651-468-1045
dkvesta@sbcglobal.net
| | |
|
Southern Minnesota
No Meeting This Month
Walt Moser, First Baptist Church, Luverne, MN
605-254-3092
PastorWalt.Moser@gmail.com
Wisconsin
Thurs., October 17, 11:00am (CT)
Location: Seasons Cafe - Barron
Rob Buhl, First Baptist Church
Whitehall, WI
715-538-4246
robbuhl@gmail.com
VCN Midwest Youth Pastor Collaboration
Mon., October 28, 10:00am (CT)
Meeting by Zoom
Chuck Babbitt, Bloomer Baptist Church, Bloomer, WI
515-230-0774
youth@bloomerbaptistchurch.com
To Be Decided
Northern Minnesota/North Dakota
Ohio
| | |
|
Venture Church Network Midwest
1410 44th Street, Marion, IA 52302
Dr. Brad Little
Regional Executive Director
blittle@vcnmidwest.org
763-350-4263
Administrative Office
Gina Perry, Administrative Assistant
gperry@vcnmidwest.org
319-830-6478
| |
All articles and submissions are the view of the individual writer and are not necessarily the official position of Venture Church Network Midwest. | | | | |
